Pictured is the M3 bridging system, which the Swedes designated the ‘Amfibiebro 400’. Credit: General Dynamics European Land Systems.

Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has placed another order for nine more M3 amphibious bridging systems with the supplier, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), on 5 September 2024.

The M3 enables heavy mechanised units to ferry their platforms, including tanks, across bodies of water.

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It functions as a four-wheeled vehicle on roads and propels itself in water using two large aluminium pontoons that create buoyancy. When linked together, these pontoons form a bridge capable of supporting heavy battle tanks.

This latest contract, worth Skr470m ($45.3m), will be the fourth batch of M3 systems procured to enable the rapid movement of the Swedish Armed Forces.

The FMV first ordered the bridging systems in 2022, labelling them ‘Amfibiebro 400’; delivery of these will commence toward the end of this year. However, Sweden had originally intended to acquire the M3 after tests were conducted 20-years-ago, but due to “changed directions and shrinking finances,” the project was soon closed.

A single two-bay M3 is capable of ferrying a Class 70 tracked vehicle – two of its predecessor, the M2, were needed to do the same, and even then they needed additional buoyancy bags.

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As well as its role as a ferry, several M3s can be coupled together to created a heavy-load bridge: 24 crew can construct a 100m bridge from eight vehicles in approximately 15 minutes.

“Our collaboration with GDELS is good and enables us to have an open dialogue about our requirements for adaptations to the needs of the Armed Forces,” stated project manager, Anders Salwén.

With the new order, Sweden is strengthening its wet gap crossing capabilities, its M3 fleet alone now being able to bridge 400 metres of obstacles.

Furthermore, the Swedish Armed Forces operate the IRB (Improved Ribbon Bridge) pontoon system and coupling adapters for the combined operation of both bridge types. This also enables multinational missions with partners such as the Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, the UK and US which use the same systems.